a vivid 1990s gianni versace couture shirt, made in italy in a sheer black silk with woven shadow stripes and an allover painterly floral in electric red, cobalt, magenta, and acid green. the pointed dagger collar, slim placket, and figural silver-tone metal buttons are pure versace, where even the smallest hardware carries the house's baroque, maximalist hand. gianni versace founded his label in milan in 1978 and the couture diffusion line, marked by this black and gold label, is where his bold prints met a softer, more wearable price point in the late 80s and 90s. the abstract poppy-and-bloom print over a transparent striped ground is a signature versace move from the era: saturated color, painterly flowers, and a fabric that reads sheer and sensual rather than demure.
